Manchin to Chair Dem Govs in '08

Gov. Joe Manchin will lead the 28-state Democratic Governors Association next year, succeeding Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as chair. she announced in a release.

Manchin's goals for his term include "expanding the majority of Democratic governors by at least one – by winning states like Missouri and Indiana, who have vulnerable Republican incumbents."

Manchin also pledged "to help re-elect all Democratic incumbents running (in New Hampshire, Montana, Washington, and West Virginia) and to retain the two Democratic open seats (in Delaware and North Carolina)." He further vowed to set a new fundraising record for the group.

(The DGA web site also includes a video clip of Manchin talking about "supporting men and women in uniform.")

GOP Convention Delegate Count Reaches 1,364 - UPDATED

Organizers of the state Republican Party's Feb. 5 "Super-Duper Tuesday" presidential convention are closing in on the magic number of 1,446 delegates, after processing mailed-in delegate registrations postmarked by last week's deadline.

More than 62 percent of the filings, or 852 of the total, are for at-large slots scattered among the counties. However, as there are only 610 at-large seats, the number of delegates assured a seat at the convention is 1,122.

And with more mailings still to go through, the latest breakdown shows:



(Update I: The right-hand column reflects delegates with automatic berths and those who filed for as-yet-uncontested at-large seats.)

(Update II: I've tweaked the "Minimum" column by adding at-large seats in contested counties where the candidate has sufficient would-be delegates.)

Among other points of interest:

• 24 of the state's 55 counties have enough at-large delegate filings to ensure contested races for those slots during January's online and county convention voting;

• Kanawha County has 151 filings for 51 at-large seats, the largest contested field;

• Other counties with at least twice as many filings as at-large seats are Boone, Brooke, Cabell, Fayette, Harrison, Monongalia, Putnam and Raleigh;

• Only Boone County has more would-be at-large delegates for a single candidate - Ron Paul - than there are seats;

• In two other counties, Fayette and Randolph, are there more uncommitted at-large delegate candidates than seats;

• Ron Paul has the most at-large delegates (170);

• Mitt Romney has the most delegates from the state party's Executive Committee (15);

• Romney also has at least 9 county party chairs in his corner;

• Fred Thompson has the most legislator-delegates (12).

W.Va. Think Tank Debuts

A new group backed by some familiar names hopes to become a go-to source for research on tax legislation and other budgetary proposals.

The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy describes itself as "nonpartisan, nonprofit, statewide budget and policy research organization" that "focuses on how policy decisions affect all West Virginians, including low- and moderate-income families, other vulnerable populations, and the important community programs that serve them."

The Mountain State has at least one other independent think tank devoted to such issues: the Public Policy Foundation of West Virginia. Also a nonprofit, "the Foundation's mission is to advance sound policies based on the principles of free enterprise, individual liberty, limited government, and traditional American values."

Liveblogging from the W.Va. Energy Summit

Gov. Joe Manchin is hosting officials from industry and 10 other states at Stonewall Resort today for a daylong summit on U.S. energy policy, "Advancing Domestic Resources in an Era of Carbon Challenges."

Participants include: Gov. Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming, the nation's leading coal producer and one of its major sources of natural gas; Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, whose state mines coal and is also a top provider of hydroelectic power; and Gov.-elect Steve Beshear of eastern coal producer Kentucky.

As The Associated Press reports, a central theme of the summit is that "as long as coal remains this country's most abundant fossil fuel, it must play a central role in U.S. policy."

To varying degrees, speakers have acknowledged the case against coal: the carbon dioxide emitted when it is burned, the toll of mountaintop removal mining. But the goal of the summit is to confront those concerns, rally coal's supporters and win over Congress.

To achieve that, several presentations have outlined ways to reduce pollution from coal, such as carbon sequestration and coal gasification. "But speakers were also candid about the costs, technological hurdles and environmental shortcomings of these options," the AP article said.

Speakers include officials from American Electric Power, the National Energy Technology Laboratory, AIG, the Southern States Energy Board and CNX Gas Corp.

Update: Others with coverage include Public Broadcasting, MetroNews (with audio) and The Charleston Gazette.

Agency Rapped over Mansion Project

The Manchin administration has knocked down part of an exterior wall of the Governor's Mansion, installing doors in its place.

Whether a major or minor alteration to the historic state-owned building, the Ethics Commission has called out the state Capitol Building Commission for failing to notify the public of the meeting where it was approved, The Charleston Gazette reports.

"The doors are intended to provide easier access to a large frame party tent that has been erected adjacent to the mansion for a series of holiday parties to be hosted by the governor and first lady, beginning Thursday," the article said.

Ex-Senator Writes Political Tell-All

Russ Weeks has a lot to say about his stint in the West Virginia Senate.

The Raleigh County Republican recently talked to The Register-Herald 0f Beckley about his new self-published book, No Strings Attached: The Big Lies of West Virginia Government and One Man's Fight for the Truth.

"Right now, we have a two-tiered justice system in this state. One is for the ‘good ol’ boys, and one is for the not-so-good ol’ boys," Weeks told the newspaper, while also alleging that "there are just a handful of people controlling everything that’s going on."

Weeks alleges shady dealings on several specific bills during his four sessions in the Senate. He also recounts his ongoing feud with state officials over conditions at Pinecrest Hospital.

And Weeks faults Gov. Joe Manchin over his handling of the mine rescue legislation that sped through the Legislature following the Sago and Aracoma mining tragedies.

"Weeks writes in his book the governor made sure no one stood in his way, even going inside a closed-door GOP caucus in the House," the article said. "Nor would Manchin allow any tampering with his bill that altered the requirements to serve as mine health and safety director so his intended appointee could take the job, Weeks recalled."

W.Va. GOP Convention Hits Delegate Deadline

With an unknown number of filings likely still in the mail, state Republican Party officials are counting 1,175 delegates signed up for the "Tsunami Tuesday" Presidential Convention Feb. 5.

The latest breakdown*:


The deadline was Friday, though filings postmarked by midnight Nov. 30 will be counted. The convention envisions 1,446 delegates.

The latest roster is online.

The Associated Press has details. Among some of the highlights:

• Convention planners set aside 610 seats for at-large delegates, but 707 signed up. As a result, 16 counties have enough candidates for contests during the election slated for January;

• Only four counties failed to field any delegates - McDowell, Mingo, Tyler and Wyoming counties. Though the others are dominated by Democrats, Tyler is actually one of nine W.Va. counties where registered Republicans hold the majority;

• All but four of the Legislature's 39 GOP members signed up for their automatic convention berths: Troy Andes of Putnam County, Allen Evans of Grant County, Mike Porter of Mercer County and Roger Romine of Tyler County;

• The uncommitted delegates account for about 45 percent of the total;

• Mike Huckabee perhaps saw the biggest boost among the White House hopefuls during the final surge of filings, with 113 at-large delegates now pledged to him;

• Ron Paul continues to have the most at-large delegates, with 125;

• Mitt Romney appears to have the most delegates from the state GOP's executive committee (14).

(* I missed a name among the Romney delegates in my initial post. I've corrected the above roster and his number of state party committee members.)

Battle Brewing Over Workers' Comp

The ongoing plan to privatize workers' compensation in West Virginia became a top topic during last week's legislative interim meeting.

Several lawmakers grilled Manchin administration officials at a committee meeting, alleging the privatized insurance system for on-the-job injuries and illnesses had strayed from established policy and state law with some recent changes to benefits and the like.

As The Associated Press reports, Manchin officials say they fear the push for increased legislative oversight comes at a terrible time: other insurers are slated to begin competing for a share of this market on July. But lawmakers say the dispute instead has to do with the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

Danger in the Mines

High oil prices have proved a boon for the coal industry, both in West Virginia and the nation, as operators have revived idled mines and added workers to boost production over the last several years.

But federal mine regulators actually cut their number of inspectors during that time by 18 percent, or double the rate a which mining operations increased nationwide, The Charleston Gazette reports.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration "not only missed required inspections, but they misled agency managers — and the public — about inspection completion rates," the article said.

The Gazette also draws from an U.S. Labor Department audit of the agency that shows "the lapses were most serious in Southern West Virginia, where 85 percent of the missed inspections occurred."

W.Va. GOP Convention - Thursday Update

Nearly 700 West Virginia Republicans have signed up to be delegates at the state party's Feb. 5 presidential convention, according to the latest roster.

With the deadline to register Friday, organizers have nearly hit the halfway mark in their bid to attract a maximum of 1,446 delegates.

The latest breakdown:


Other points of interest:

* Thompson continues to have the most legislator-delegates (11);

* Romney now has 8 county GOP chairs, leading that category;

* Giuliani still has the most state GOP officers (3);

* Paul has the most at-large delegates (70), followed by Romney (61);

* Fayette, Harrison and Summers have filled their delegate rosters;

* Five counties - Harrison and Fayette along with Kanawha, Pleasants and Randolph - have more at-large delegate candidates than seats, requiring elections in January.

* All but a half-dozen counties - Barbour, Clay, McDowell, Mingo, Tyler and Wyoming - have delegates registered for the convention.

* Of the 754 unfilled slots, 491 are reserved for legislators and state and county party officials. The other 263 are for at-large seats.

W.Va. Lottery Update

WEATHERING COMPETITION: "Competition from video slots parlors in Pennsylvania continues to drag down West Virginia Lottery revenues — but not as severely as Lottery officials had feared," The Charleston Gazette reports.

Officials told lawmakers Wednesday that revenues from July through October "topped $510.4 million. That’s down $18.8 million, or 3.6 percent, from the same period last year," the article said.

CREDIT CARD ATMS? The Lottery Commission has ordered "Point of Banking Terminals" removed from video lottery parlors pending a review of the machines, MetroNews reports.

Officials are concerned that they are providing cash on credit to gamblers, rather than debiting existing accounts, which is not allowed.

The terminals' distributor, Tri-Com Merchant Services, says they are just like any other ATM.

"The current Limited Video Lottery Law does not allow ATMs in the gambling room where the machines are located, but they are allowed in other parts of the building," the MetroNews article said.

LOTTERY PARLOR CITED: The Intelligencer of Wheeling reports that an Ohio County magistrate has levied $360 in fines and costs against a high-profile video lottery parlor, Wheeling Island's Tropicana Lounge, for violating the county's anti-smoking ordinance.

Owner Jeannette Wakim testified that "she thought her business had been singled out because her husband, Chris, had been very vocal in opposing the regulation and because of his political ambitions. The former state delegate also has run for Congress," the article said.

W.Va. Also Faring Poorly in Mental Health

West Virginians suffer from a higher rate of depression than any other state except Utah, and rank in the Top Ten for suicides.

Such are the findings of a new study commissioned by the nonprofit Mental Health America. At The Associated Press reports, "researchers blame the severity of depression and suicide rates on such factors as poor access to mental health care and a dearth of resources for distressed people."

"The state was joined by Utah, Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming in ranking in the top 10" the suicide and depression categories, the AP's Tom Breen writes. "Based on the report, the states ranking in the top 10 for lowest depression and suicide rates are Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey."

Political Speech in the Workplace

Some West Virginia lawmakers are backing a measure for next year's session that would target employers who seek to tell their workers how to vote...or, for that matter, how to pray.

As The Associated Press reports, "draft legislation endorsed Wednesday by the joint Judiciary Committee would forbid bosses from requiring staff to attend meetings or take part in some other setting 'when the primary purpose is to communicate the employer's opinion about religious or political matters.''"

But the measure has its critics, who consider the proposal a heavy-handed attempt at government regulation.

The Register-Herald of Beckley also reports on the draft bill.

W.Va. GOP Convention Update

With two days until the deadline for registering for the Feb. 5 presidential convention, 516 West Virginia Republicans have signed up for the 1,446 delegate seats, according to the latest roster posted online.

Of the 930 unfilled slots, 576 are for legislators and county and state executive committee members who get automatic berths. The remaining 354 empty spots are for at-large delegates.

Here's the latest breakdown:


Among other interesting tidbits:

• Thompson has the most legislator-delegates (11);
• Giuliani has the most state executive committee officers (3);
• Romney has the most county chairs (4);
• Paul has the most at-large delegates (59);
• Two counties, Fayette and Summers, have filled their delegations;
• Fayette and two other counties, Kanawha and Pleasants, now have enough candidates for at-large delegate for contested elections slated for January;
• By my count, 38 county GOP chairs have not yet signed up for their automatic spots at delegates (via the state executive committee);
• Nine counties have yet to see any of its Republicans file to become delegates.

The Push for Power in W.Va.

The Associated Press' Tom Breen reports that a labor-business coalition is arguing for additional power lines in the Mountain State, amid the drive by a leading utility to erect one across its north-central counties.

"West Virginians for Reliable Power outlined their case for new power lines at a presentation Tuesday," the AP article said. "Officials said the state’s status as an energy exporter is no guarantee against power shortages and blackouts."

This alliance includes power companies and coal producers. But while it maintains it has no stance on the topic, Breen observes that "the coalition’s push comes as the state Public Service Commission is wrapping up public hearings on Allegheny Energy’s plan to build a new line between Pennsylvania and Virginia that would cross northern West Virginia. "

"Opposition to the project has come from local residents rallying around groups like the Halleck Community Association, which argues the lines would not help West Virginians," Breen continues.

Legislature 2008: Counties

Officials from West Virginia's 55 counties are looking to the Legislature for help after the Supreme Court upheld the state regional jail authority's power to charge the counties for housing their inmates.

One interim committee lawmaker suggested releasing suspects on their own recognizance when charged with misdemeanors, instead of locking them up, The Register-Herald reports.

“I don’t see why you should have people sitting in jail with misdemeanors, unless you have some aggravating factors,” said Delegate John Ellem, R-Wood.

Other lawmakers and county officials are advising the state to hike its tax on alcohol, given the number of offenses blamed on drinking, the Beckley newspaper reports.

Also covering the interim discussion, The Charleston Gazette relays another option: returning magistrates to 24/7 shifts to reduce the number of suspects jailed overnight while they await their initial arraignments.

The Gazette has a separate report with good news for counties. "State officials registered more vehicles from new residents this summer than ever after lawmakers decided to end levying the privilege tax on the newcomers’ autos and combined it with a three-month amnesty period," that article said.

Property taxes, which are also levied on such personal property, are a key revenue source for counties.

The 2008 session is also likely to feature another county-related topic, annexations.

The state Supreme Court recently affirmed the voluntary petition method used by municipalities to expand. County officials want that method tweaked, with some seeking its abolishment. But as the Charleston Daily Mail reports, Charleston Mayor Danny Jones and the state Municipal League are going to put up a fight.

Legislature 2008: Water Resources

At least some lawmakers are determined to revive and expand a short-lived program that aimed to measure the state's water supply and consumption by industry, residential systems and other users.

As The Associated Press reports, a legislative interim committee assigned to the issue is weighing proposals as other states in the region fight over drought-dwindled water supplies.

"But Lisa McClung, director of DEP’s Water and Waste Management Division, also estimated the annual cost of a sufficient effort at between $600,000 and $5 million," the article said.

The water survey program had to overcome concerns by business interests who feared it would lead to onerous regulations and even a tax on water (comments from Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, helped fan those flames).

But Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley and the interim committee's co-chair, sounded ready to lead the charge.

"If we can’t protect this resource, we’re going to be hurting," Unger, a 2008 congressional candidate, was quoted as saying. "Those who object are only on the outside, who want to eventually exploit our resource. I’m convinced of that."

A Long Ride to School

Public Broadcasting reports that the typical school day for nearly 21,000 West Virginia children includes bus rides that exceed state time standards.

The subject has been a perennial topic at legislative sessions, and again came up at this week's series of interim meetings. Public Broadcasting has audio of its segment as well as a transcript.

It also links to the 2002 series co-written by Public Broadcasting's Scott Finn, during his days at The Charleston Gazette, that examined bus ride times and other fallout from school consolidations.

Quote of the Day

"Nobody is going to run me out of the race with money."

-- Wayne County lawyer and 2008 Supreme Court pre-candidate Menis Ketchum, who told Hoppy Kercheval of MetroNews' Talkline that he plans to raise $1.2 million for his race - with the help of a major rainmaker for Gov. Joe Manchin.

W.Va. Puts Hold on $6.3b Nursing Home Buyout

At the urging of a labor union, the West Virginia Health Care Authority has stayed its approval of a the state's portion of a massive buyout of a national nursing home chain by the Carlyle Group.

The regulators have also set a Dec. 14 hearing to assess the concerns and allegations raised by the Service Employees International Union District 1199, The Associated Press reports.

"We're not issuing any sort of decision on the merits. We are just granting their request for a reconsideration," authority Chairwoman Sonia Chambers told AP.

SEIU has mounted a nationwide campaign questioning the $6.3 billion deal to acquire HCR Manor Care and its more than 500 health care-related facilities. The union represents nursing home workers, including about 1,100 Manor Care employees, AP reports.

But as AP also reports, the global investment firm's bid for Manor Care is also under scrutiny in at least 30 other states.

The Charleston Gazette also has an article on the authority's decision.